The beginning of the end.

Kind of, anyway. This school year is slated to be my last. I always say some weasel word, like "slated." Just in case. I feel like I'm hedging, but it is hard to be absolute about this. Nevertheless, I am living as though this will be my last regular work year.

And, in a way, this year -- my anticipated last (haha)-- started today with the first of a 3 day class that turned out to be 6. Like so many things in education, you get inveigled... It sounds good, so you sign up. You have to take so much training anyway, why not pick the good stuff. Then you find out it is a lot more than anticipated. About five years ago, Sandi and I signed up for Positive Behavioral Supports, then found out it would be a three year initiative harder than hot tar to shake off. The class today I initially thought would be 3 days, then I learned it would be 3 more during the school year. Then today I learned there would be homework! HOMEWORK and lots of it! I mean LOTS. It's a two-credit course which I am only auditing. Maybe I'll just flunk it. It wouldn't be the first time I've ever done a somewhat stinky job. Better that than a heart attack. But I hate to go out on a less than stellar effort. hmmm. That's the cliff hanger.

Pros: It's fun and interesting. There is a ton to learn. Cons: Only St. Malachy of my schools is attending, so not many colleagues to work with. And the focus is on improving teaching, which is as it should be. It is just that I am in it for improving general ed interventions, and even that is for the short term, especially in my case.

To be continued....